Be flexible. That’s the word from travel agents and experts when it comes to planning for trips, especially where airfare is concerned. The cost of a barrel of oil, which was about $102 Monday morning, has impacted fees and surcharges applied by airlines. In fact, the average cost of a ticket has risen six times since the start of the year and could rise again, said Rick Seaney, CEO and co-founder of FareCompare.com. By comparison, there were only about four such increases in 2010. The fuel surcharges can be $10 to $20 per person each way. What’s interesting, though, is that flights, as well as cruise lines and even bus tours, are booked solid. “It’s certainly a reflection of demand,” Seaney said. “I think after a couple years of people saying they can’t afford it or they’re not willing to buy, they’ve said ‘I’m going to fly.’” Airlines cut back significantly the last time gas prices went through the roof in 2008. Since that time, they’ve not added back the seats they lost, Seaney said. “there are more people chasing fewer seats,” he said. Locally, travel agents report high demand. Charles Gesumaria, manager of AAA Travel Agency in Sunbury, said he has seen heavy bookings. “At this time, I don’t think it’s a hinder to traveling and bookings,” he said. “People are still traveling.” Amy Miller, of Miller Travel Agency in Selinsgrove, agreed. her operation has been busy, with about a dozen calls in the first few hours of Monday alone. “I think people are just tired of waiting and ready to go,” she said. so what’s the secret to getting a flight — or cruise or bus trip, for that matter — at the best price. Miller said the best thing is to be open to any idea. “For example, flights might be full running to Punta Canna, but there are great deals going to Aruba,” she said. Also, try to be flexible when it comes to the actual days of the vacation. Traveling midweek is cheaper than going Friday or Sunday. Seaney said consumers should accept that prices are high and do what they can to seek out deals wherever they might be. “The consumer shouldn’t turn themselves into day traders for oil to decide on a ticket price,” he said. “When oil gets like this and demand is high, it’s really about getting a better bad deal.” For that reason, Gesumaria said he’s been advising customers not to wait to book travel plans. “Book when you can. Ticket when you can,” he said.
Friday, 26 November 2010, 4:33 pm Press Release: Air new Zealand
